M's demote Smoak to AAA Tacoma, recall Robinson

Share this story

Seattle Mariners' Justin Smoak rounds third base after hitting a three-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

SEATTLE -- Just hours after the team shook up their lineup by trading star Ichiro Suzuki to the New York Yankees, the Seattle Mariners made another move in an effort to bolster the offense.

The team sent slumping first baseman Justin Smoak to Triple-A Tacoma and will bring up outfielder-designated hitter Mike Carp. Smoak, acquired two years ago as the centerpiece in a trade deadline deal with Texas for pitcher Cliff Lee, was hitting .189.

"This is for him," manager Eric Wedge said. "This is what we feel is the right thing to do for him right now to give him a break, get him in a different environment without the pressure of being in the big leagues."

Smoak went hitless in three at-bats and was riding an 0-for-19 streak.

"I think everybody has seen what's going on. It's one of those things, go down there, get work in and get back to where I was a couple months ago," he said.

The Mariners also activated 1B/DH Mike Carp from the disabled list and called up OF Trayvon Robinson from Tacoma.

Grand Opening for Forte Studios in Kennewick WA. A Studio for Photographers to have access to a fully stocked photo studio without the cost of owing their own studio. Great for amateur and professionals looking for a great place to produce some great photos.